Category: holiday fitness

fitness · habits · holiday fitness · holidays · rest · self care

Making Space 2023: Day 21

Christine Hennebury

Hello hello Team Making Space!

I hope that you are feeling a little wiggle room in your day and/or you can give yourself a little wiggle room later.

This may be a good time to revamp your list of tasks and activities that you have planned for the next while and see if anything can be shifted, changed, discarded, or resized.

It may also be a good time to check if you have included enough fun or soothing or restful activities over the days ahead.

And, yes, I know it can be tricky to undertake both of those processes but even a five minute look at your list might be enough to make a difference.

Personally, I always find that deciding NOT to do something from the ‘if I have time’ part of my list or doing anything that closes an open loop creates a lot of mental space.I hope you can have the same result.

So, on to our videos for today!

I just loved the friendly energy from the instructor, Panida Klintong, in this Energy Boost Routine from Brain Education TV and I hope you will, too.

Still image features the instructor in comfy clothing standing on an orange mat in an exercise studio, reaching their right arm overhead and leaning slightly to the left. They look happy and engaged. On the right side of the image is the title of the video 10 Minute Routine Energy Boost in white text.

If your brain feels a bit too crowded to try the process I suggest above, perhaps this 5 minute Declutter Your Mind Meditation from Mindly will help.

Still image is a cartoon drawing of a person with long hair wearing clothes in soothing shades of sitting cross-legged on grass. There are small plants in the far corners on either side, hills in shades of white and beige in the background, and the sky is a pale peach colour. The overall effect is restful.

About Making Space 2023:
In December 2020, Fit is a Feminist Issue blogger Martha created a tradition – a series of reminder posts to take good care of ourselves during this last month of the year when it is far too easy to get swept up in your to do list, no matter what you are celebrating or not celebrating. 


In 2021, I started doing daily December reminders with a post called Give Yourself Some Space,  and that’s how the ‘Making Space‘ December tradition began. Throughout December 2021 and 2022, I wrote a short post that included two videos – one for exercise and one for meditation – and a bit of encouragement for you to make space for yourself at this busy time of year. 


These posts are not about cramming more things into your month, they reminding you that there IS a *YOU* who is doing all of the things and that you are worth taking good care of.


Perhaps the things I suggest aren’t what you need at the moment. That’s totally ok. Perhaps you can use something else to create some space, something that will help you feel more relaxed or more in charge of your day. Just do whatever you can to give yourself a little more breathing room.


Personally, I am trying to Finish 2023 Soft so I am putting conscious effort into resting whenever I can. My overjangled nervous system needs a chance to unjangle and that process may look different every day. 


So, some of these posts may be long and some may be short but please know that every single one of them is written with the hope that you can find a little ease in your day, whatever that looks like for you.

fitness · holiday fitness · holidays · meditation · rest · self care · stretching

Making Space 2023: Day 20

Christine Hennebury

I really need an extra soft day about now and I hope you’ll join me in going extra easy today.

Let’s start by making space for this 5 Minute Gentle Couch Yoga Stretch from Santosha Spirit.

Still image shows the instructor in comfy clothes seated on a couch with one hand on their heart and one hand on their belly.

And let’s follow up with this meditation for encouragement that’s called ‘Slow Down You’re Doin’ Fine’ from Katie McLaughlin

Still image is of a cartoon person with long dark hair sitting crossed-legged on a sand dune with other sand dunes in the background.

Whether you spend today slowing down or speeding up, I hope you find a pace that works for you and that let’s you have the space you need. 💚

About Making Space 2023:
In December 2020, Fit is a Feminist Issue blogger Martha created a tradition – a series of reminder posts to take good care of ourselves during this last month of the year when it is far too easy to get swept up in your to do list, no matter what you are celebrating or not celebrating. 


In 2021, I started doing daily December reminders with a post called Give Yourself Some Space,  and that’s how the ‘Making Space‘ December tradition began. Throughout December 2021 and 2022, I wrote a short post that included two videos – one for exercise and one for meditation – and a bit of encouragement for you to make space for yourself at this busy time of year. 


These posts are not about cramming more things into your month, they reminding you that there IS a *YOU* who is doing all of the things and that you are worth taking good care of.


Perhaps the things I suggest aren’t what you need at the moment. That’s totally ok. Perhaps you can use something else to create some space, something that will help you feel more relaxed or more in charge of your day. Just do whatever you can to give yourself a little more breathing room.


Personally, I am trying to Finish 2023 Soft so I am putting conscious effort into resting whenever I can. My overjangled nervous system needs a chance to unjangle and that process may look different every day. 


So, some of these posts may be long and some may be short but please know that every single one of them is written with the hope that you can find a little ease in your day, whatever that looks like for you.

fitness · holiday fitness · holidays · meditation · rest · self care

Making Space 2023: Day 19

Christine Hennebury

Hey Team,

I hope that day 19 brings you a feeling of tearfulness and spaciousness.

I wish those things for you every day, of course, but I am sending them out with a little extra boost today.

And speaking of an extra boost…

I feel like I often veer towards gentle workouts when I seek videos for this post, and that works well but I also know that many of us may want to work a little harder sometimes. Soooo, I thought I’d pick a workout with a little more intensity today.

Here’s a 10 min No Jumping Full Body HIIT workout from MadFit that I thought you would enjoy. Fee free to take it at your own pace or only do as much as you have time for.

Still image: the instructor, a woman with white skin and brown hair in black sports bra and shorts, with her hands behind her head, elbows sticking out, stands on the left.. The video title is superimposed on the right side of the image.

This is the second time in a week that The YouTube algorithm has given me a really recent meditation video from a new-to-me instructor. I love this video – 5 minute Mindfulness Meditation (Creating Space Within) from Thaisa Haerts.

And the idea of creating space within is just perfect, isn’t it?

Still image: The instructor, a woman with brown skin and curly brown hair, sits in a welcoming living-room type space. She is wearing a fuzzy jacket and a brown bandeau top and white pants.

About Making Space 2023:
In December 2020, Fit is a Feminist Issue blogger Martha created a tradition – a series of reminder posts to take good care of ourselves during this last month of the year when it is far too easy to get swept up in your to do list, no matter what you are celebrating or not celebrating. 


In 2021, I started doing daily December reminders with a post called Give Yourself Some Space,  and that’s how the ‘Making Space‘ December tradition began. Throughout December 2021 and 2022, I wrote a short post that included two videos – one for exercise and one for meditation – and a bit of encouragement for you to make space for yourself at this busy time of year. 


These posts are not about cramming more things into your month, they reminding you that there IS a *YOU* who is doing all of the things and that you are worth taking good care of.


Perhaps the things I suggest aren’t what you need at the moment. That’s totally ok. Perhaps you can use something else to create some space, something that will help you feel more relaxed or more in charge of your day. Just do whatever you can to give yourself a little more breathing room.


Personally, I am trying to Finish 2023 Soft so I am putting conscious effort into resting whenever I can. My overjangled nervous system needs a chance to unjangle and that process may look different every day. 


So, some of these posts may be long and some may be short but please know that every single one of them is written with the hope that you can find a little ease in your day, whatever that looks like for you.

fitness · holiday fitness · holidays · meditation · rest · self care

Making Space 2023: Day 18

Christine Hennebury

Sometimes when our energy is low we need to rest and sometimes low energy is a signal to get moving a little.

If you need rest today, I hope you can find it.

If you need to get moving, perhaps you might like to try this Jumpstart Cardio Workout from Fitness Blender.

Either way, I’m wishing you a straightforward day that feels like it has a lot of space in it.

Still image is of the instructor sitting cross-legged on a mat on the floor with a large sleeping dog next to her.

And whether or not your day unfolds as you want it to, I hope you can be kind to yourself in the process.

We can use more self-compassion at any point in the year but at this busy time when there are way too many opportunities for comparison, a self-compassion boost is essential.

That’s why I picked this 5 Minute Meditation – Self Compassion video from Jackie de Crinis for us to try today.

Wishing you ease, my friends. 💚

Still image is the title of the video ‘5 Minute Meditation for Self-Compassion’ in black text on a white background.

About Making Space 2023:
In December 2020, Fit is a Feminist Issue blogger Martha created a tradition – a series of reminder posts to take good care of ourselves during this last month of the year when it is far too easy to get swept up in your to do list, no matter what you are celebrating or not celebrating. 


In 2021, I started doing daily December reminders with a post called Give Yourself Some Space,  and that’s how the ‘Making Space‘ December tradition began. Throughout December 2021 and 2022, I wrote a short post that included two videos – one for exercise and one for meditation – and a bit of encouragement for you to make space for yourself at this busy time of year. 


These posts are not about cramming more things into your month, they reminding you that there IS a *YOU* who is doing all of the things and that you are worth taking good care of.


Perhaps the things I suggest aren’t what you need at the moment. That’s totally ok. Perhaps you can use something else to create some space, something that will help you feel more relaxed or more in charge of your day. Just do whatever you can to give yourself a little more breathing room.


Personally, I am trying to Finish 2023 Soft so I am putting conscious effort into resting whenever I can. My overjangled nervous system needs a chance to unjangle and that process may look different every day. 


So, some of these posts may be long and some may be short but please know that every single one of them is written with the hope that you can find a little ease in your day, whatever that looks like for you.

fitness · holiday fitness · holidays · meditation · rest · self care

Making Space 2023: Day 17

Christine Hennebury

Hey Team,

I hope that you have managed to fit some space and ease into your weekend – even if you had a lot of places to go and things to do!

Today’s workout is called 10 min Seated Movement for Seniors and Beginners and it’s from Improved Health.

As usual, if you don’t have 10 mins, feel free to just do part of the video. And if you don’t want to do it at all? Feel free to make space in your own way! 💚

Still image features a small photo of the instructor on the left and the name of the video in white against a pink background on the right.

Today’s meditation is called Unwind and Recharge with a Short Guided Meditation and is led by Liz Jones. This video only came out this week, I’m glad I came across it!

Still image shows the instructor sitting cross-legged amidst pillows on a living room couch. The words ‘For A Quick Reset’ are superimposed on the upper left of the image.

About Making Space 2023:
In December 2020, Fit is a Feminist Issue blogger Martha created a tradition – a series of reminder posts to take good care of ourselves during this last month of the year when it is far too easy to get swept up in your to do list, no matter what you are celebrating or not celebrating. 


In 2021, I started doing daily December reminders with a post called Give Yourself Some Space,  and that’s how the ‘Making Space‘ December tradition began. Throughout December 2021 and 2022, I wrote a short post that included two videos – one for exercise and one for meditation – and a bit of encouragement for you to make space for yourself at this busy time of year. 


These posts are not about cramming more things into your month, they reminding you that there IS a *YOU* who is doing all of the things and that you are worth taking good care of.


Perhaps the things I suggest aren’t what you need at the moment. That’s totally ok. Perhaps you can use something else to create some space, something that will help you feel more relaxed or more in charge of your day. Just do whatever you can to give yourself a little more breathing room.


Personally, I am trying to Finish 2023 Soft so I am putting conscious effort into resting whenever I can. My overjangled nervous system needs a chance to unjangle and that process may look different every day. 


So, some of these posts may be long and some may be short but please know that every single one of them is written with the hope that you can find a little ease in your day, whatever that looks like for you.

holiday fitness · holidays · meditation · rest · self care · stretching

Making Space 2023: Day 16

Christine Hennebury

Welcome to Day 16!

People often suggest deep breaths as a way to reduce stress and while it’s a good suggestion, stress often makes me feel like I *can’t* take a deep breath.

That’s why I chose this great video of Easy Breathing Exercises to Help You Breathe Better from Ask Dr Jo, perhaps this will be my new step 1 when I feel stressed.

Wishing you ease and space in your day, whatever that may look like for you. 💚

still image: Dr. Jo, a woman with light skin and brown hair who is wearing a blue tshirt, is demonstrating one of the exercises with her hands at shoulder height with her elbows bent. She looks like she is holding an invisible exercise ball. The title of the video is in white text against a yellow background in the upper left side of the image.

And I thought it would be nice to try more meditative drawing so here’s a video called Mindfulness Drawing Meditation from Art with Flo. This video is 12 minutes long but feel free to do just part of it if you are pressed for time. The instructor works on an iPad but gives instructions for using paper as well.

still image is of an iPad and an apple pencil on a brown wooden table. The iPad screen has the words Drawing Meditation superimposed upon it and, as background, the screen has a series of patterns within interlocking shapes drawn in grey.

About Making Space 2023:
In December 2020, Fit is a Feminist Issue blogger Martha created a tradition – a series of reminder posts to take good care of ourselves during this last month of the year when it is far too easy to get swept up in your to do list, no matter what you are celebrating or not celebrating. 


In 2021, I started doing daily December reminders with a post called Give Yourself Some Space,  and that’s how the ‘Making Space‘ December tradition began. Throughout December 2021 and 2022, I wrote a short post that included two videos – one for exercise and one for meditation – and a bit of encouragement for you to make space for yourself at this busy time of year. 


These posts are not about cramming more things into your month, they reminding you that there IS a *YOU* who is doing all of the things and that you are worth taking good care of.


Perhaps the things I suggest aren’t what you need at the moment. That’s totally ok. Perhaps you can use something else to create some space, something that will help you feel more relaxed or more in charge of your day. Just do whatever you can to give yourself a little more breathing room.


Personally, I am trying to Finish 2023 Soft so I am putting conscious effort into resting whenever I can. My overjangled nervous system needs a chance to unjangle and that process may look different every day. 


So, some of these posts may be long and some may be short but please know that every single one of them is written with the hope that you can find a little ease in your day, whatever that looks like for you.

Dancing · fitness · holiday fitness · meditation · rest · self care

Making Space 2023: Day 15

Christine Hennebury

While you are making space on this Friday, the 15th of December, I dare you to choose to maximize your fun.

Maximizing fun will look different for everyone so please choose something that *you* find fun, not something that is just supposed to be fun.

So, for example, if you are like my dear friend M and the idea of sorting a bunch of small items into groups sounds like a blast then have at it. If you are like me and you want to draw a bunch of stars on some paper and colour in between them, have at that. Please, please, please, just do something that appeals to YOU!

Anyway, on to our videos.

I really like the energy of The Fitness Marshall‘s videos and I was happy to see this one come up when I searched for ‘fun Friday workout.’ If you are inclined to give this ‘Lady Gaga – Just Dance/ Caleb Marshall/Dance Workout’ a try, I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.

still image is of three people in workout outfits standing on gravel with trees in the background. They are each holding their right hand in a sort of OK symbol and looking through it with their right eye. They are all making deliberately exaggerated expressions.

And as for meditation, I like this simple suggestion from Patrick T. Randolph and his cat, Gable. It feels playful and that’s definitely fun!

still image is of the instructor – a middle aged man wearing glasses – who is in mid-sentence. He has his eyes closed, his right hand on his chest and his left hand at chest height but closer to the camera.

About Making Space 2023:
In December 2020, Fit is a Feminist Issue blogger Martha created a tradition – a series of reminder posts to take good care of ourselves during this last month of the year when it is far too easy to get swept up in your to do list, no matter what you are celebrating or not celebrating. 


In 2021, I started doing daily December reminders with a post called Give Yourself Some Space,  and that’s how the ‘Making Space‘ December tradition began. Throughout December 2021 and 2022, I wrote a short post that included two videos – one for exercise and one for meditation – and a bit of encouragement for you to make space for yourself at this busy time of year. 


These posts are not about cramming more things into your month, they reminding you that there IS a *YOU* who is doing all of the things and that you are worth taking good care of.


Perhaps the things I suggest aren’t what you need at the moment. That’s totally ok. Perhaps you can use something else to create some space, something that will help you feel more relaxed or more in charge of your day. Just do whatever you can to give yourself a little more breathing room.


Personally, I am trying to Finish 2023 Soft so I am putting conscious effort into resting whenever I can. My overjangled nervous system needs a chance to unjangle and that process may look different every day. 


So, some of these posts may be long and some may be short but please know that every single one of them is written with the hope that you can find a little ease in your day, whatever that looks like for you.

advice · holiday fitness · meditation · rest · self care

Making Space 2023: Day 13

Christine Hennebury

Hey Team,

I hope your plan for the day can include making space for yourself in a way that suits you best.

Our videos for today are both about taking a little break from your work to find some ease.

First up we have a 5 Minute Refresh[Office Stretch] from Work. Break. Stretch – I really like how straightforward this one is!

still image shows the words ‘5 minute Refresh’ on the right side of the screen. The left side of the screen shows a woman with light skin and long dark hair in a single braid, she is demonstrating one of the stretches. She standing next to a large potted plant in front of a window, she has her right hand on her right knee while she turns slightly to the left and raises her left arm upward.

And keeping with our ‘taking a break from our work’ theme, here’s a Mindfulness at Work Meditation 3 Minute Reset from Ally Safety This isn’t a guided meditation but you can breathe your way to some calm as you watch the beautiful video or enjoy the the restful music.

still image is a top-down view of a greenish blue wave with white foam at the edge washing over a yellow sand beach. There is the outline of a white circle superimposed on the image and white text reading ‘Mindfulness at Work – 3 Minute Reset-‘ in the centre.

About Making Space 2023:
In December 2020, Fit is a Feminist Issue blogger Martha created a tradition – a series of reminder posts to take good care of ourselves during this last month of the year when it is far too easy to get swept up in your to do list, no matter what you are celebrating or not celebrating. 
In 2021, I started doing daily December reminders with a post called Give Yourself Some Space,  and that’s how the ‘Making Space‘ December tradition began. Throughout December 2021 and 2022, I wrote a short post that included two videos – one for exercise and one for meditation – and a bit of encouragement for you to make space for yourself at this busy time of year. 
These posts are not about cramming more things into your month, they reminding you that there IS a *YOU* who is doing all of the things and that you are worth taking good care of.
Perhaps the things I suggest aren’t what you need at the moment. That’s totally ok. Perhaps you can use something else to create some space, something that will help you feel more relaxed or more in charge of your day. Just do whatever you can to give yourself a little more breathing room.
Personally, I am trying to Finish 2023 Soft so I am putting conscious effort into resting whenever I can. My overjangled nervous system needs a chance to unjangle and that process may look different every day. 
So, some of these posts may be long and some may be short but please know that every single one of them is written with the hope that you can find a little ease in your day, whatever that looks like for you.
habits · holiday fitness · holidays · meditation · rest · self care

Making Space 2023: Day 11

Christine Hennebury

When I’m picking out videos for these posts, it’s sometimes a struggle to get away from the work-hard-push-yourself message that is a key element of so much fitness messaging.

That messaging is great if you are seeking a challenge, if you have specific fitness goals, or if that’s what gets you moving but for these posts I’m looking for a message of fun, a message of restfulness, a message of ease.

I want to encourage you to find ways to feel good in your body and in your mind. (I’m also encouraging myself at the same time. A bonus, really!)

And that’s why I love the title of this video from Silver Sneakers – I know I can definitely use a 5-Minute Feel Good Workout.

Still image features a light-skinned woman with long grey hair wearing fitness clothing and demonstrating a side stretch while standing next to a chair in a fitness studio. The image is framed in blue on the left side and in the bottom right corner and on the upper left is the title of the video and the channel name.

To compliment the ‘feel good in your body’ message from that video, here’s something for you brain: What makes you feel good, Guided Meditation from Great Meditation

Still image is a cartoon-style drawing of a peaceful-looking young woman with light brown skin with her eyes closed. Her brown hair is floating out the sides and there are leaves overlapping her hair.

About Making Space 2023:

In December 2020, Fit is a Feminist Issue blogger Martha created a tradition – a series of reminder posts to take good care of ourselves during this last month of the year when it is far too easy to get swept up in your to do list, no matter what you are celebrating or not celebrating. 

In 2021, I started doing daily December reminders with a post called Give Yourself Some Space,  and that’s how the ‘Making Space‘ December tradition began. Throughout December 2021 and 2022, I wrote a short post that included two videos – one for exercise and one for meditation – and a bit of encouragement for you to make space for yourself at this busy time of year. 

These posts are not about cramming more things into your month, they reminding you that there IS a *YOU* who is doing all of the things and that you are worth taking good care of.

Perhaps the things I suggest aren’t what you need at the moment. That’s totally ok. Perhaps you can use something else to create some space, something that will help you feel more relaxed or more in charge of your day. Just do whatever you can to give yourself a little more breathing room.

Personally, I am trying to Finish 2023 Soft so I am putting conscious effort into resting whenever I can. My overjangled nervous system needs a chance to unjangle and that process may look different every day. 

So, some of these posts may be long and some may be short but please know that every single one of them is written with the hope that you can find a little ease in your day, whatever that looks like for you.

fitness · holiday fitness

Embrace the December Dance: A FIFI Bloggers Guide to Festive Fitness

Sam B1 Comment

Hey, it’s another Saturday group blog post here at Fit is a Feminist Issue.

I asked the group,

“What’s your fitness focus for the holiday season?

I’m curious about our different approaches to movement as things get busy. What are you going to let go? What are you going to hang on to?”

Holiday dance

Here’s our replies:

CHRISTINE

In keeping with Making Space and Finishing Soft, I’m doing more yoga and a lot of stretching.

I’m actually doing yoga at the beginning and the end of the day and some yoga nidra before bed.

That sounds like I am adding a lot to my day but as usual with things like yoga, it often makes my day feel more spacious instead of less so.

The real trick for me, like for many people, is convincing myself to get on the mat in the first place so I picked times when it would fit into the rhythm of my day.

Here’s my inspirational/aspirational photo of Khalee resting.

ELAN

Every year I get more grumpy about this holiday: it starts too early, it costs too much, and its expectations and traditions set people up for stress and sadness. So to combat my grumpiness I signed up for a HoHoHoliday 5K run, with fundraising proceeds going to the Make a Wish Foundation. I’ve asked everyone to donate any present money they would spend on me. I’ve never in my life run a 5K race (much less in a Santa suit), so for the first time ever I’m getting out every few days to run. It’s been a new experience for me that I’ve enjoyed, and I’ll see if I maybe want to keep up the running after my race. I’m dressing up as the Grinch and sending personalized thank you photos to everyone who donates…so far I am over $1200, which is amazing. 💜

TRACY

I started a ten week weight training program today called EPIC by Caroline Girvan and that’s my focus, with walking, to carry me through the holidays and into 2024. The workouts are all on YouTube and explained in a guide on her website.

https://www.carolinegirvan.com/epic-i/
EPIC 1

DIANE

Christmas will be small this year as kids are spending time with the families of their partners and I have offered to be the designated person in the office between Christmas and the new year. I have a lifeguarding course starting in early January and I need to improve my sprint speeds if in order to pass. As a result, my fitness focus will be riding my bike to work and the pool, and swimming as often as possible.

Birds over the water

CATE

I’m going to Costa Rica so I hope to move a lot every day! Yoga in the morning! Hiking in the rainforest! Horses! Walking on the beach!

Brightly coloured parrot. Costa Rica. Photo by Zdeněk Macháček on Unsplash.

SAM

I love December challenges but this year I seem just be doing the usual things. I’m going to physio and personal training, riding my bike in Zwift, walking Cheddar, and trying some new things at the gym, Anti-Gravity Yoga, Hot Yin Yoga, and Zumba. But I still keep feeling the lure of December fitness challenges. Some year I want to do the Festive 500, bike 500 between Dec 24th and Dec 31st, but not this year. We have visitors here for those dates and it would be awfully antisocial. Two years ago I was wondering which holiday fitness challenge to choose. For years I did a US Thanksgiving to Christmas Day running streak. Earlier in the blog’s history I was tempted by treating the week after Christmas as a personal fitness bootcamp and I might get back to that. It’s usually a quiet week and I’m off work. I’ll report back on that last week of the year!

NICOLE

I am very boring in the sense that my workout rarely changes. I plan to do the same, same, with momentary, trivial, anxiety, such as, “if I go to my usual class on Saturday, how do I do some prep before so that I can proceed with my annual cookie baking day, afterwards, efficiently.

CATHERINE

I’m driving south for the holidays with family, and I’ve found that no matter how stressed or busy or chaotic my schedule is, I’ve always made time to explore both new and familiar parks and nature preserves on foot, preferably with family and dogs. So that’s my plan. There are some nice riverfront trails to walk and maybe even a beach or two to stroll along.

Rivet